Thieves fail to halt Jim Windass in 2,100-mile ride on America's Route 66
A MAN who cycled more than 2,000 miles in America has raised almost £10,000 for charity in memory of his wife.
Jim Windass, 63, covered about 2,100 miles of Route 66 for Dove House Hospice, where his wife Christine passed away in July 2010.
Christine battled breast cancer for 18 years before losing her fight for life, aged 58.
Jim, of east Hull, began his trip at Loving Heart Hospice in Los Angeles and finished at Rainbow Hospice in Chicago.
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He said his American adventure was an experience he will never forget.
Jim said: "The high point was achieving the objective of raising awareness of the hospice movement and raising a bit of cash.
"Christine would have been chuffed. It was quite humbling finishing at the Rainbow Hospice in Chicago and it almost brings you to tears.
"It was one of those things I wanted to do to push myself and I think I have done that.
"Everyone, all the way across, was superb."
Jim spent three weeks cycling through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Chicago.
He trained for six days a week, cycling 30 to 60 miles three or four times a week, taking part in four spinning classes and having sessions with a personal trainer.
Jim's friend Stephen Horncastle drove the motor- home and Jim's youngest son Andrew, 25, who is a physiotherapist, flew out to meet him in Oklahoma.
Jim said the only down-side to his trip was when thieves broke into the motorhome in St Louis and stole his laptop, insurance papers, passport and other items.
He said: "I was angry but we were safe and sound.
"It was disappointing but we know these things happen."
Jim said he wanted to set himself a tough physical challenge to show his appreciation for the care Christine received at Dove House Hospice.
He said: "The hospice is terrific. People keep telling me it's a wonderful achievement and that's very humbling.
"I'm glad I did it. The care Christine received was first class. It was very professional and it was what was needed at the time because you don't know what to expect.
"If I can put a bit of money in to the system to make other people's journey a bit easier, that's what I want to do."
Jim plans to hold a charity night in the coming weeks to help him hit the £10,000 target.
Visit www.cycle66.co.uk or donate at Jim Windass's Virgin Money Giving page.
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